Editorial: Gun owners bear huge responsibility

This past weekend, WXII 12 once again reported a tragic home handgun accident. A stepfather handed what he thought was an unloaded pistol to his daughter, only to have a round discharge and kill him.

The tragedy of that story will continue to play out in that family for years to come.

Handgun sales in North Carolina this year have set records, with more households now owning firearms than ever before. Many of these new owners have completed the North Carolina safety course required for a concealed carry permit. That course teaches not only gun safety, but the legal responsibility of owning a deadly weapon. We think it’s a good idea for any handgun owner.

If you own a handgun and have not gone through safety training, we urge you to lock it up or get rid of it. The right to bear arms is not a right to be stupid.